The Artist’s Role?
In recent years, the word woke has been turned around to mean something negative. One can tell by the tone of voice someone uses when saying the word and the inflection surrounding it. Many artists don’t want to publicly support various causes for fear that they will be deemed “woke.”
There might be something deeper here—why is it that caring about social issues is seen as taboo?
Why is caring that a family of four doesn’t become unhoused such a problem, or caring that mental health resources are readily accessible so stigmatized? When did caring about others and how they feel become such a debated topic?
The question posed:
How can artists help to destigmatize that caring about social issues is “woke”?
Songs like Imagine by John Lennon and Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday are prime examples of how artists can challenge the world to align and unite. Can a song really help to destigmatize caring about social issues? It may be the start of a conversation in a language that the entire world can understand.
If you look up the definition of the role of an artist, it is primarily to act as a cultural mirror—someone who reflects the values, struggles, and spirit of the times. Artists observe, interpret, and present the world back to itself, often revealing truths that are uncomfortable, overlooked, or ignored. Shakespeare did this masterfully, capturing the complexities of human nature, societal tensions, and political dynamics of his era - he remains relevant today.
Today’s artists might think about carrying that same responsibility. In a world facing deep social, environmental, and emotional challenges, artists have the power to illuminate what needs healing, to imagine what’s possible, and to inspire change. They can be catalysts for empathy in a world that too often feels divided.
After all, it’s not just about artistic expression—it’s about legacy. The choices we make now, including how we respond to injustice and care for one another, will shape the lives of future generations. What kind of world do we want to leave behind? Artists, through their work, can help us answer that..
The resource, “Your Guide to Music and the SDGs” - Center for Music Ecosystems | UN Sustainable Development Goals by - gives innovative and modern-day examples of how music is shaping the lives of individuals across nations and is working to break down those “wicked problems,” one glass ceiling at a time.
